'I do miss it': Prince of Wales revisits airbase where he made 'fond memories'

'I do miss it': Prince of Wales revisits airbase where he made 'fond memories'

The Prince of Wales has spoken of “fond memories” at his former air base as he returned to mark its 85th anniversary.

William, who wore RAF military pattern camouflage uniform, told trainees at RAF Valley in Anglesey, North Wales, that he “loved” his time there.

He was an RAF search and rescue pilot at the Holyhead base from 2010 to 2013, when he and the Princess of Wales lived together in Anglesey as newlyweds.

During the visit, he met former colleagues including pilot instructor Brian Wills and chief maritime instructor Andy Batchelor, who said the Prince had expressed his desire to get back in the cockpit.

Mr Wills said: “In a heartbeat, he said he’d come back and do it again.”

Mr Batchelor, who worked with William on search and rescue crews, said: “He’s a great guy, friendly, easy to get on with, a very competent pilot.

“He was very easy to work with. He just wanted to be Will, he was just one of the team."

William, who is Royal Honorary Air Commodore, watched a parade to mark the 85th anniversary of the RAF station. Credit: PA IMAGES

Speaking to trainees at the station, which opened in February 1941, William said: “I loved my time up here. It was great fun.

“Your time up here will go quickly, that’s the thing. You’ll look back with fond memories.”

He added: “I do miss it. I miss the job, I miss the camaraderie.”

William, who is Royal Honorary Air Commodore, watched a parade to mark the 85th anniversary of the RAF station.

He also met women from the base and told them he was trying to take “barometer readings” of the experiences of females in the military.

He said: “Some things have come to my attention that I’m not particularly happy about.

“Are we adopting and evolving the armed forces in a way that is suiting women joining the forces and is it a nice place to join?”

The officers spoke to William about their experiences, including returning to work in the RAF after having children.

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